Graffiti

Graffiti is defined as unwanted writing, drawings or symbols applied to any surface without the consent of the property owner, authorized agent or designee. Graffiti has a direct negative impact on our community, neighborhoods, and property values. It can constitute a threat to public safety and welfare because the graffiti may be associated with gang activity and other criminal acts. If graffiti is not promptly removed, it encourages the creation of additional graffiti and the spread of blight. The City’s Graffiti Abatement Program is designed to rid our City of unsightly graffiti. City departments collaborate with community partners and business owners to remove graffiti as soon as possible. In some cases, this may include partnering with owners and community agencies to install new murals through the City’s Graffiti to Mural program.

Lot Mowing

Our City codes prohibit the uncontrolled growth of weeds or grass on a property, except for those areas that are intentionally preserved in a “natural state” (for example, a passive park, restricted covenant land use, a designated canopy road, etc.). On private properties, the City is authorized to correct this violation by clearing vacant lots after the required legal notification is made to the owner and assess the associated costs against the property through a special assessment lien.

Code Enforcement Repair

The Code Enforcement Repair Program assists low-income owners of homes that are owner-occupied to eliminate exterior code violations, and to improve and preserve neighborhoods. Up to $2,500 in a forgivable loan is available to assist income-eligible homeowners who have received a notice of code violations, to make the necessary repairs to bring their home into compliance. Eligible repairs may include the following:

• Exterior painting
• Rafters, soffit and fascia repair
• Window glass and screens
• Railings and stairs
• Landings and porches
• Yard maintenance and debris removal when done in conjunction with repairs to the home.

Call 850-891-6566 to see if you are eligible and get more information.

Storm Mitigation Grant

Tallahassee experiences significant storm activity throughout the year, especially during the Hurricane Season from June through November. The Storm Damage Mitigation Program provides grant assistance to low-income homeowners to be proactive and help protect their property from damage during storms and flooding. Up to $12,500 is available for income eligible homeowners to:

• Trim and/or remove trees that have been determined to pose a risk to the home in a storm event,
• Elevate at-risk hot water heaters and HVAC units in flood prone areas, and
• Make other specific improvements that will harden the home against storm damage.

Apply for a Storm Mitigation Grant online. For additional information please call 850-891-6566 and ask for assistance with the Storm Mitigation Grant program.

Boarding & Sealing

If a building is open or not properly enclosed due to damage or neglect, it must be temporarily secured or boarded up to prevent further damage and to prevent unauthorized access (Land Development Code Chapter 3, Section 3-371).  Buildings can be boarded according to City standards for up to one year, or as ordered by the Code Magistrate. If the owner does not comply with the Code Magistrate’s boarding order, the City may secure the property and charge the owner for the costs through a special assessment lien. 

Demolition

When a structure is deemed dangerous and unsuitable for rehabilitation, Code Enforcement may request a review by the Condemnation Review Team comprised of technical experts. Based on their findings, a recommendation is submitted to the Code Magistrate for a final order. If the property owner fails to demolish or remove the unsafe structure within the timeframe specified in the order, Code Enforcement may proceed with the demolition. The associated costs will then be assessed to the property owner through a special assessment lien [Land Development Code, Article X.].